Tallac Historic Site

A century ago, what is now the Tallac Historic Site held the "Grandest Resort in the World" and was the summer retreat for three of San Francisco Bay Area's socially elite families. Today, the remains of the resort and the restored estates attract thousands of visitors annually to recapture this bygone and significant era in Tahoe's history. Adjacent to Lake Tahoe, Kiva Picnic Area and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, the Tallac Historic Site is operated in partnership with the Tahoe Heritage Foundation. The Tallac Historic Site is located approximately three miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of Highway 89. The entrance is on Heritage Way across from Fallen Leaf Lake Road and marked by a large sign that reads “Tallac Historic Site”. The Valhalla gate is not open to the public; please proceed west to the next right hand turn. Parking is free and can fill up by mid-morning during the peak season. Please allow 30 minutes to park if you are attending a program or tour. and is located approximately three miles northwest of the City of South Lake Tahoe . The site offers something for everyone and many paths and most buildings are accessible. The Tallac site is open Memorial Day weekend through September. Though the buildings are closed during the winter, the grounds remain open year-round and the site serves as a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination. Please note: Campfires and portable charcoal grills are not allowed on the beach.

The Tahoe Heritage Foundation supports a variety of preservation, restoration and education projects and programs in the Lake Tahoe Basin. It was founded in 1996 to enable a public/private partnership with the USDA Forest Service that manages restoration projects and interpretive activities at the Tallac Historic Site and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.

During the summer, you may join a Tallac Site interpreter for heritage programs, guided walks, building tours, demonstrations, behind the scenes peeks, and more. A changing schedule of activities with times, places, and a detailed description is available at the Baldwin Museum or online at the Tahoe Heritage Foundation's website at http://www.tahoeheritage.org/events-and-programs-2/tallac-historic-site/.

Volunteering at the Tallac Site

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer at the Tallac Historic Site? There are many ways to help. Some volunteers take part in the continued preservation, restoration, and maintenance of structures, grounds, artifacts and machinery. Others prefer providing tours and assisting in a variety of museum related activities including staffing or behind the scenes projects. We have opportunities for local residents as well as those able to travel with their own RV. Volunteers can sign-up through the Tahoe Heritage Foundation. For more information about our volunteer program, please contact Mikan Gosuico at (530) 544-7383 or by email mikan@tahoeheritage.org.

At a Glance

Operational Hours:

The Tallac Historic Site is open daily Memorial Day weekend through mid-September.

Leashed pets are permitted at the Tallac Historic Site and on the trails. Pet owners are expected to clean up after their pets, doggie bags are available. Please note, pets are not permitted in or near the Taylor Creek Marsh.

Closest Towns:

South Lake Tahoe, California.

Water:

Water fountains are located in a couple of locations along with a new water-bottle filling station.

Restroom:

Flush

Operated By:

Located on National Forest land and is operated by the U.S. Forest Service.

General Information

Accessibility:

Many paths and some buildings at the Tallac Historic Site are wheelchair accessible. Please call to make advance arrangements for Pope House tour wheelchair access.

Parking:

The parking lot at the Tallac Historic Site can accomodate approximately 50 vehicles and includes pull-through RV parking.

Directions:

The Tallac Historic Site is located approximately three miles northwest of South Lake Tahoe on the lake side of Highway 89. The entrance is on Heritage Way across from Fallen Leaf Lake Road and marked by a large sign that reads “Tallac Historic Site”. The Valhalla gate is not open to the public; please proceed west to the next right hand turn. Parking is free and can fill up by mid-morning during the peak season. Please allow 30 minutes to park if you are attending a program or tour.